The bill also includes investment restrictions and sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector
Democrat Gregory Meeks introduced a bill in the US House of Representatives banning the deal between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on Russian diesel fuel supplies. The legislation also prohibits US investments in Russian energy and mandates the White House to impose sanctions. This was reported by The Moscow Times, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
The bill “Prohibiting Corrupt Oil Deals with Russia” bars the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) from investing in Russia’s energy sector. It also revokes general licenses issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Treasury Department that permit purchases of Russian energy carriers and bans future issuance of such licenses.
Support for the Initiative
The bill is co-sponsored by 16 Democrats and Republican Don Bacon. Bacon called Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel fuel “a disgrace” and a sign of weakness, stating that the US should support Ukraine rather than accommodate Putin.
Alternative Proposals
Earlier, on October 10, Republican Brian Fitzpatrick announced the preparation of a separate bipartisan bill that would ban all purchases of Russian oil. This move was a response to the Trump-Putin deal.
European Reaction
The deal has also caused discontent in Europe. According to Politico, the European Commission began preparing a 23rd sanctions package against Russia aimed at further reducing its oil revenues.
Illustrative photo: The White House / Public domain
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